McCormack ‘honoured’ by new role

NATIONALS Member for Riverina Michael McCormack says he is proud to take on new roles as the Federal Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Minister for Defence Personnel, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC and Deputy Leader of the House following today's reshuffle.

Mr McCormack previously served as the Assistant Minister for Defence and has a long abiding interest in military history.

As the Member for Riverina Mr McCormack is based in the New South Wales city of Wagga Wagga which represents all three arms of the Defence Forces including Blamey Barracks Home of the Soldier and is also home to many retired service men and women.

Mr McCormack has served as the Minister for Small Business since the 2016 election, the first ever National Party MP to hold that portfolio.

Mr McCormack says he is proud of his achievements as the Minister for Small Business advocating for the more than 3.2 million small business owners who employ 5.6 million Australians.

Key achievements during the Minister's time in the Small Business Portfolio include extending the instant asset write-off, changing the definition of a small business from up to a $2 million turnover to up to a $10 million turnover, tax cuts for small and medium businesses, strengthening section 46 of the Competition and Consumer Act, simplifying GST reporting, taking action to cut red tape, reducing payment terms for Government contracts up to $1 million and redesigning the Australia Small Business Advisory Service program.

Mr McCormack thanked portfolio stakeholders for their support during his tenure and wished Craig Laundy the new Minister for Small and Family Business, Workplace and Deregulation well in his new role.

Mr McCormack will be sworn in on Wednesday 20 December at 11.30 am at Government House.